By Bobor Dan Kamara
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in a press statement dated 5th December 2024 asserted that it rejected a proposed request to stage a protest aimed at compelling the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) to publish the June 2023 elections results at polling station level.
Mr Babadi and Mr Williams, both of whom are currently helping the police with investigation, made the request.
The rejection came on the grounds that the proposed gathering would disrupt public order and has the tendency to cause unrest in society.
SLP says the letter did not follow the legal requirements to notify the police about public gatherings, as outlined in the Public Order Act.
It calls on members of the public to be law abiding and desist from participating in any unauthorized activities.
Foday Sesay, a political analyst, underscored that the refusal and detention of Mr. Babadi and Mr. Williams is an affront on democracy and contravenes the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone, which guarantees Freedom of Assembly and Association. He further stated that such a demand for the ECSL to release the June 2023 elections results at polling station level is a genuine concern that ought to have been settled amicably.
